BestCarRank
Mercedes-Benz

2011 Mercedes-Benz R350

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 has 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.6x the segment average of 14. The most common issue is air bags problems (55% of all complaints), specifically: takata recall #16v081 mfg recall #2016020003 recall date feb 11,2016 my wife is the primary driver of this vehicle, and i have great fear for her safety every time she gets behind the wheel. please advise when this will be remedied.. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

2 crash reports 2 injuries

22

Total Complaints

2

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

1.6x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

12 complaints
55%
  • TAKATA RECALL #16V081 MFG RECALL #2016020003 RECALL DATE FEB 11,2016 MY WIFE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE, AND I HAVE GREAT FEAR FOR HER SAFETY EVERY TIME SHE GETS BEHIND THE WHEEL. PLEASE ADVISE WHEN THIS WILL BE REMEDIED.
  • TAKATA RECALL. VEHICLE RECALL REMEDY TAKING EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF TIME. NO REMEDY AVAILABLE, NO ACCOUNTABILITY AVAILABLE, NO NON-BANKRUPT PARTS SUPPLIER AVAILABLE, AND NO ACTION BY NHTSA AVAILABLE. TIME TO HOLD DAIMLER BENZ RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS NONSENSE.
  • TAKATA RECALL: THIS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A RECALL CAMPAIGN FOR OVER 12 MONTHS AND WAS NEVER REPAIRED DUE TO LACK OF AVAILABLE PARTS. THE NHTSA VIN LOOKUP TOOL NOW LISTS NO ACTIVE RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. WHY NOT? WHEN WILL PARTS BE AVAILABLE? HOW COULD KE THIS POSSIBLY BE TAKING SO LONG? PERHAPS I
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

TAKATA RECALL #16V081 MFG RECALL #2016020003 RECALL DATE FEB 11,2016 MY WIFE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE, AND I HAVE GREAT FEAR FOR HER SAFETY EVERY TIME SHE GETS BEHIND THE WHEEL. PLEASE ADVISE WHEN THIS WILL BE REMEDIED.

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350

Based on 14 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 56K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
2
30-60K
6
60-100K
4
100-150K
2
150-200K
0
200K+
0

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 56K mi · 7 reports
0-30K
0
30-60K
4
60-100K
2
100-150K
1
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM09/05/2022

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2006-2012 ML-Class, GL-Class, and R-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. Moisture may accumulate and cause corrosion in the brake booster housing unit, which can result in reduced brake performance or brake failure.

Risk: Reduced brake performance or brake failure can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy has been performed. Dealers will remove the rubber sleeve, inspect the brake booster, and as necessary, replace the brake booster. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's numbers for this recall are 2022050014, 2022050015 2022090006, & 2022090007.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350

Live EIA prices
Per year
$3,001
Per month
$250
Per mile
25.0¢
MPG
16
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$3,201/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$2,527/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,921
Full coverage / month
$160
Liability only / year
$732
vs US avg
+15%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (suv-luxury)1.35x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age0.85x
= Full coverage estimate$1921

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Mercedes-Benz R350 Service Intervals

Oil change
10K mi / 12 mo
Tire rotation
10K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
40K mi
Engine coolant
150K mi
Spark plugs
60K mi
Cabin air filter
20K mi
Engine air filter
40K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
40K mi

Service A / Service B alternating schedule. Requires MB-approved oil (229.5 spec typically).

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Mercedes-Benz New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
4 yr / 50K mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
10 yr / 155K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
4 yr / 50K mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr / unlimited mi

EQ EV battery warranty is 10 years/155,000 miles

These are the terms for a new Mercedes-Benz. If you're buying a used 2011 R350, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Mercedes-Benz dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)
$500
BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500
SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 22 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • AIR BAGS: TAKATA RECALL #16V081 MFG RECALL #2016020003 RECALL DATE FEB 11,2016 MY WIFE IS THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE, AND I HAVE GREAT FEAR FOR HER SAFETY EVERY TIME SHE GETS BEHIND THE WHEEL. PLEASE ADVISE WHEN THIS WILL BE REMEDIED.

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • BRAKES: The contact owns a 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350. The vehicle had previously had the wheel speed sensors replaced eight times since September 2016. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the ABS inadvertently engaged, causing the front end of the vehicle to dip while the brake pedal was depresse

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND UNDER THE COVERED PORTICO AND PLACED MY CAR IN "PARK" WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OPEN.I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND WENT TO CHECK SOMETHING AT MY FRONT DOOR WHICH WAS FORWARD AND TO THE LEFT OF THE PARKED CAR BEFORE PROCEEDING TO OPEN THE GATE ACROSS

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • TRANSMISSION: I PULLED INTO MY DRIVEWAY AND UNDER THE COVERED PORTICO AND PLACED MY CAR IN "PARK" WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OPEN.I GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND WENT TO CHECK SOMETHING AT MY FRONT DOOR WHICH WAS FORWARD AND TO THE LEFT OF THE PARKED CAR BEFORE PROCEEDING TO OPEN THE GATE ACROSS

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Mercedes-Benz dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

Mercedes-Benz R350 — Year Comparison

How does 2011 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.

Full years-to-avoid analysis →

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
22
Recalls
2
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
2
Injury reports
2
Segment avg
14

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350